When it comes to comfort food that satisfies both the taste buds and the heart, nothing beats a warm bowl of veggie beef stew simmering gently in your crockpot. This dish is a delightful medley of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, all mingling together to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, this veggie beef stew is not just healthy, but it’s also incredibly delicious and satisfying!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Crockpot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Veggie Beef Stew Crockpot – Step By Step
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Wash and peel the vegetables. Chop the beef into 1-inch cubes, slice the carrots and celery, dice the potatoes, and chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside. Taking the time to properly prepare your ingredients ensures a smooth cooking process, making it easy to toss everything into the crockpot.
Step 2 – Brown the Beef:
In a skillet on medium-high heat, brown the beef cubes for several minutes until all sides are nicely caramelized. Browning the meat helps in sealing the juices, which results in more flavorful and moist meat. Once browned, add the beef cubes to the crockpot.
Step 3 – Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
Layer the chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, and peas over the beef in the crockpot. Sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper evenly across the top, ensuring all layers are seasoned. Stir in the tomato paste for extra depth of flavor.
Step 4 – Pour in Broth:
Slowly pour the beef broth over the contents in the crockpot. The broth acts as the base of your stew, infusing it with flavor as it simmers. Ensure that the broth covers at least three-quarters of the ingredients to avoid drying out the stew.
Step 5 – Cook and Simmer:
Cover the crockpot and set it on low heat. Allow the stew to cook for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.
How to Serve Veggie Beef Stew Crockpot
Once done, give the stew a good stir and taste for additional seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth or enjoy it as a standalone meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- For extra flavor, consider using bone broth instead of regular beef broth.
- To thicken the stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans for variety.
Boost Your Protein: High Protein Version
If you’re aiming to up your protein intake, consider adding chunks of lean beef or even lean ground beef to the stew. For those who prefer plant-based options, kidney beans or lentils are an excellent choice. Both ingredients will seamlessly blend with the stew, boosting its nutritional profile without altering the beloved, comforting flavor.
This version not only caters to fitness enthusiasts but also provides extra fuel for everyone, especially during colder months. It’s a win-win, ensuring heartiness and satisfaction with every single bite!
Go Low Carb with Ease: A Flavorful Option
For those on a low-carb diet, swap the potatoes and carrots with turnips and zucchini. These alternatives offer a similar texture without the additional carbs. You can also enhance the dish with more leafy greens like kale or spinach, which will add nutritional value and maintain the stew’s integrity.
This variation keeps the stew feeling indulgent and fulfilling while fitting perfectly within your dietary needs. With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy the rich taste without worrying about carb counts!
Storage Instructions
Allow the stew to cool completely before storing. Place it in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, chicken can be a leaner alternative, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- What can I substitute for beef broth? Vegetable broth or mushroom broth are great alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- How can I make the stew thicker? Add a bit of cornstarch or flour slurry towards the end of cooking to thicken.
- Is it necessary to brown the beef? No, but browning enhances flavor and depth in the stew.
- Can I add wine to the stew? Absolutely! A splash of red wine adds an excellent depth of flavor.
Embrace the Hearty Comfort: Enjoy Your Stew!
This veggie beef stew crockpot recipe is a divine amalgamation of simplicity and flavor. Why not share the joy? Invite friends over for a dinner party or engage with fellow food enthusiasts by leaving a comment below. Don’t forget to share this recipe on your social media platforms for others seeking comfort in a bowl. Bon appétit!
Veggie Beef Stew Crockpot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- beef broth
- carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- stalks celery
- garlic
- peas
- tomato paste
- thyme
- rosemary
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping, slicing, and dicing as instructed.
- Brown the beef cubes in a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add beef cubes, vegetables, and seasonings to the crockpot.
- Pour in beef broth and stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.